Back from 4 year hiatus, passed the CRFSC, looking to get first AR

[redman]

Hi everyone,

Was an active CGN member until 2015 and took a long break (still shot here and there) and am getting back into the game. Looking to complement my precision bolt action + scope with an AR-15. Much like the precision rifle (where I wanted all-Euro parts, down to the bipod), I'd like to do something at least a bit unique for this purchase too. Note: I am an AR newbie, have tried it a few times, loved shooting it, but am not familiar with all component names, so please bear with me

Bottom line: I'd appreciate a little help in sourcing my first AR!

Here's what I'm looking for, it's pretty plain-Jane:
- Brand : either Colt or, preferably, Colt Canada/Diemaco (yes, yes, I'm a sucker for that maple leaf )
- Calibre : 5.56
- Barrel length : 16" class (i.e. 16.1" or whatever)
- Barrel profile : heavy ("HBAR"?) with muzzle brake, i.e. for more consistent target shooting as the barrel heats up
- Stock : 4-position collapsible
- Sights (rear/front) : carry handle / A2, ideally fixed carry handle (no optics planned for near future)
- Handguard : “classic”/synthetic (no rail)
- NEW rifles/parts only

Is there a specific model I should be looking for that would meet all of the above specs? If not, how could I build it? In either case, what would be the best place to get the parts?

Thanks for the help!

 

[redshooter]

If you want a fixed carrying handle and Colt Canada/Diemaco you'll need one of these http://www.nordicmarksman.com/Diemaco-C7C7-Stripped-Upper.html. A fixed carrying handle isn't the best for mounting a scope.

 

[redman]

Thanks redshooter, I noticed that site, it has a lot of what I need but sooooo much out of stock. In fact, there is already a lower that is pretty much spot on what I’m looking for (link).

I should have mentioned: will be using this with open sights (no scope) and “classic”/synthetic (no rail) handguard.

If you want a fixed carrying handle and Colt Canada/Diemaco you'll need one of these http://www.nordicmarksman.com/Diemaco-C7C7-Stripped-Upper.html. A fixed carrying handle isn't the best for mounting a scope.

 

[kodiakjack]

“Heavy barrel for precision shooting”...

“Will NOT be using optics”...

You’ve got me scratching my head.

 

[redman]

Fair point. I’ll add “in the near future” re: optics, I’ll keep my options open

“Heavy barrel for precision shooting”...

“Will NOT be using optics”...

You’ve got me scratching my head.

 

[sixty9santa]

Why not get a flat top with flip up iron sights?

 

[redman]

No functional reason, just personal preference, always liked the look of that carry handle.

Any clue which suppliers might have (or frequently order) the right components or fully assembled rifle that I’m looking for?

Thanks again for the help

Why not get a flat top with flip up iron sights?

 

[Overlander2018]

True North Arms has all the AR parts you need to build a complete rifle. Not top of the line stuff but great for accessories and furniture like your handguard, grip etc... They have a lot of retro A1 stuff too. If you like the carry handle look but want the option of optics in the future I would go with a flat top and detacheable carry handle, TNA has them as well.

 

[redman]

Thanks, checked them out but they don’t seem to source Colt/Diemaco for their parts or duly assembled rifles and really have my heart set on a Colt or Diemaco. Appreciate the help.

True North Arms has all the AR parts you need to build a complete rifle. Not top of the line stuff but great for accessories and furniture like your handguard, grip etc... They have a lot of retro A1 stuff too. If you like the carry handle look but want the option of optics in the future I would go with a flat top and detacheable carry handle, TNA has them as well.

 

[Gr33zi3]

I guess you're after a Colt 16" Match / Target HBAR upper?

The Diemaco stuff isnt 16" is it?

 

[redman]

I think we’re getting there... From the answers, I think I’d have to put something together vs. out-of-box (correct me if I’m wrong), so something like this:

1) Diemaco lower, like this one (out of stock on that site) plus
2) A match/target upper, which doesn’t seem to be made anymore (all links I found are 2012 and before).

Questions: how to find a seller that regularly stocks 1), and what’s the closest current production equivalent of 2)?

Thanks again folks

I guess you're after a Colt 16" Match / Target HBAR upper?

The Diemaco stuff isnt 16" is it?

 

[redshooter]

“Heavy barrel for precision shooting”...

“Will NOT be using optics”...

You’ve got me scratching my head.

If thinking about it the way most people use their AR it does seem odd. That said, mine is set up as a Precision Rifle but it hasn't had a scope on it since mid summer. Turns out I can shoot irons, and I've been really enjoying the challenge. Also Irons can be used for precision shooting, it just requires a bit of practice.

redman, if you are planing on just shooting Irons the sights on my A2 Colt HBAR were outstanding. I wouldn't suggest a large pin Colt upper though, the proprietary take down pins are a royal pain in the a$$ if you have a standard mil-spec lower. I'm not sure about the sights on a Colt removable carrying handle, but if they are the same as an A2 then I'd suggest getting a flat top. You also will want a finer front sight post.

 

[redman]

Great insight, thank you redshooter; glad to hear re: HBAR, and from what I just researched and what you wrote, looks like it is indeed a discontinued model and uses an old installation kit, which requires an adapter for the pins you mention (like this one). Thing is, I’m not looking to go in the used market.

What is Colt or Colt Canada’s current production equivalent for the old target/match barrels/uppers? Would it be the “government profile” barrel?

If thinking about it the way most people use their AR it does seem odd. That said, mine is set up as a Precision Rifle but it hasn't had a scope on it since mid summer. Turns out I can shoot irons, and I've been really enjoying the challenge. Also Irons can be used for precision shooting, it just requires a bit of practice.

redman, if you are planing on just shooting Irons the sights on my A2 Colt HBAR were outstanding. I wouldn't suggest a large pin Colt upper though, the proprietary take down pins are a royal pain in the a$$ if you have a standard mil-spec lower. I'm not sure about the sights on a Colt removable carrying handle, but if they are the same as an A2 then I'd suggest getting a flat top. You also will want a finer front sight post.

 

[redman]

I think I may have found what I’m looking for, or as close to it as possible (no fixed handle but whatever) - who might have it in stock?

Colt Canada Diemaco SA15.7 Carbine 15.7″ Heavy Barrel- 5.56 NATO

 

[Gr33zi3]

The EE has them all the time. Try a Colt or Diemaco search in black rifle

 

[redshooter]

The EE has them all the time. Try a Colt or Diemaco search in black rifle

This is probably the best way to score one of these beauties. I took a few minutes yesterday checking the sites of a few sponsors I deal with, nada. I know the OP said he didn't want a used rifle, but there's probably a fair number of gently used SA 15.7's. I'd love one of these myself, and would have no problem buying a used one. He'll save some $$$ too...